Best Places for Outback Swimming in Australia

The Aussie outback has some of the most amazing ancient sites and incredible terrains worth visiting. While you’re there why not take a time out, pack your board shorts and go in search of a little sliver of swimming paradise! To take you on a guided tour of our picks for the best outback swimming spots in Australia we teamed up with writer; Joe Cutcliffe of the Man of Many blog, to bring you this guest post. Take a look, send us your favourite spots and tell us what adventures you’re keen to hear about!

Gunlom Falls – Kakadu National Park, NT

Smack bang in the middle of the NT’s world-famous Kakadu National Park, this is one of the most serene places you can possibly have a dip in the Australian wilderness. The water itself looks like a natural infinity pool and the area is calm and tranquil, perfect for a day trip, though camping facilities are available if you’re after a longer stay.

Fern Pool – Karijini National Park, WA

Not too far off the beaten track within Dale’s Gorge, Karijini National Park’s famous spring-fed Fern Pool looks like something straight out of Avatar. Once you’ve had a swim, make the ten-minute stroll to Fortescue Falls, the park’s stunning permanent waterfall.

Florence Falls – Litchfield National Park, NT

In an off-road spot in Litchfield National Park about 80 kms South of Darwin is this beautiful double-waterfall, which drops into a plunge pool and swimming hole. The area is also known for its scenic hikes, and well worth the day trip to escape the heat in the natural water after getting in a little exercise over the rocky terrain.

Karloo Pools – Royal National Park, NSW

An easy one if you’re restricted to only public transport, the Karloo pools lie along the Karloo walking track, in NSW’s Royal National Park, which starts at Heathcote train station. Known for their ‘whaleback’ rock outcrops, they’re a rare sight and perfect for a quick swim to refresh. Make a day of it – you’ll be hiking for 3-5 hours all up, on return you have the option of going back the way you came, or continuing the walk through the park to Waterfall train station for your trip back.

Josephine Falls – Wooroonooran National Park, QLD

About an hour south of Cairns is one of the most fun times you can have in a waterfall (albeit a bit dangerous). Josephine Falls feature a ‘natural waterslide’ – a large, sloped, smooth rock at the bottom of the cascade which can be slid down before diving into the pool below. The area does experience occasional flash flooding, but who doesn’t like to live on the edge?

Joe Cutcliffe is a writer for Man of Many, a leading Australian online men’s lifestyle magazine which showcases the latest in products, culture, and style. You can follow them on their Instagram here @manofmanytastes.